Army football players branch assignments

Senior linebacker Nate Combs could have returned for a fifth year of football next season.

Combs was eligible because he missed all but one series of his sophomore season with a knee injury.

The captain loves football. Combs’ passion and play has helped mentor a young Army defense.

But, Combs decided around August that this would be his last season. Combs plays his final football game on Dec. 8 against Navy at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

“I’m so injury prone right now,” said Combs, who has battled shoulder and foot injuries this season. “It’s tough for me to get out there during the week and practice with my guys let alone a whole another season. It’s just one of those decisions. Can I do it? I love the game. But I think it’s also time…This season, all the banged-up injuries just kind of confirmed it.”

Combs said he wants to graduate with his class, some of them are his best friends like senior quarterback Trent Steelman, in May.

Army seniors received their branch assignments Thursday night. Combs and Steelman will be going their separate ways after graduation.

Combs was one of 10 Army football player to branch Infantry. Steelman will be branching Quartermaster, which involves supplies.

“We were suppose to stay together,” Combs said. “He (Steelman) makes fun of me all the time for it.”

We reserve the right to remove any content at any time from this Community, including without limitation if it violates the Community Rules. We ask that you report content that you in good faith believe violates the above rules by clicking the Flag link next to the offending comment or fill out this form.

Blog Author

Sal Interdonato

Award-winning writer Sal Interdonato has been on the Army football beat since 2007. He'll take you inside the huddle and into the lives of the Black Knights. Read Full